2021 Subaru Forester CVT
- 4WD Sport Utility Vehicles
- All Wheel Drive
- Base MSRP: $31,395.00
- Invoice: $29,337.00
- Hwy MPG: 33 mpg
- City MPG: 26 mpg
pros
Rugged Exterior, fuel-efficient boxer engine, famously capable all-wheel-drive system, improved passenger and cargo room; EyeSight safety system.
value writeup
The Subaru Forester brand is known for building go-anywhere vehicles that provide a healthy amount of driver satisfaction and technology. Keeping with this philosophy, Subaru re-vamped the Forester, aimed again at those who wish to master roads less travelled while maintaining urban practicality. Under the hood Subaru added a few horsepower, increased chassis rigidity, and included the addition of several electronic drive settings on Sport, Limited, and Touring models designed for poor weather conditions. A brake-based torque vectoring system and adjustable throttle response via Subaru Intelligent Drive system were even included from the WRX. Compared to the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5, the Forester is a strong contender with a heritage all its own.
model highlights
The Forester caters to an increasingly more eco-conscious customer base rather than the traditional on-the-go small SUV consumer. Even so, the Forester still possesses the ability to keep up when the road gets rough and road conditions demand performance. Styling remains sharp and modern-- it's still clearly the Forester from front to back, but with new styling touches to the headlamps, facias, and grille.
There is only one engine available on the Forester, a direct injection, high compression 4-cylinder engine that makes 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque while achieving 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. This allows the car to have decent power, while remaining competitive in fuel economy for its class. In Sport and Touring Foresters, a 7-speed manual mode that simulates a manual transmission via wheel mounted shift paddles helps scratch the itch for those with the need for speed.
The Forester is available in five trim levels -- Base, Premium, Sport, Limited and Touring.
Standard features on the base trim include EyeSight driver assists, LED headlights, automatic start/stop functionality, automatic climate control, a rearview camera, a 6.5-inch infotainment system fitted with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Sirius XM Radio and two USB-ports.
The Forester Premium adds 17-inch alloy wheels, X-Mode off-road mode with hill descent control, a panoramic moonroof, roof rails, a rear spoiler, a 10-way power driver's seat, Starlink Safety and Security, a leather wrapped steering wheel, reclining rear seats and rear A/C vents.
Heading up to the Forester Sport adds 18-inch black alloy wheels, a dual-function X-Mode, SI-Drive with Sport Sharp mode, LED fog lights, roof rails with integrated tie-downs, gloss black and orange exterior accents, dark gray sport fabric upholstery, interior orange stitching and trims accents, Sport gauges with color LCD instrument panel display, a 6.3-inch multifunction display mounted on top of the dash, two rear USB ports, and a quick-entry system with push-button ignition.
The more upscale Forester Limited adds leather seating, steering-responsive LED headlights with high-beam assist, chrome grille accents and exhaust, a power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, blind-spot monitoring with lane change assist and rear-cross traffic alert. An 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen display replaces the standard 6.5-inch screen.
The top of the line Forester Touring can be ordered with Black or Saddle Brown perforated interior leather seating. Also included are unique 18-inch alloy wheels, roof rails with silver accents, satin silver side mirror caps, automatic reverse tilt side mirrors, chrome door handles, an 8-way passenger's seat, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, a navigation system with SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link, a 9-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a driver monitoring system watching for sleepy or distracted driving, reverse automatic braking and one-touch folding rear seats.
The EyeSight suite of driver assists comes standard for all trims and includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure and sway warning, lane keep assist, lane centering and lead vehicle take-off alert. A lesser-known EyeSight feature is the pre-collision throttle management system can help avoid accelerating ahead of time by significantly reducing throttle response and alerting the driver of an oncoming collision. Optional driver-assist features include reverse automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring with lane change assist and rear-cross traffic alert. The Starlink Safety Plus package includes SOS emergency alert, roadside assistance, automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle recovery, and can unlock/lock the doors, honk the horn, flash the lights and find your vehicle.
model news
The Subaru Forester carries over with minimal changes for 2021.
Exterior Color
Ice Silver Metallic
Manufacturer's Color Code: ISM
Interior Colors
- Black
Exterior Color
Crystal White Pearl
Manufacturer's Color Code: WHC
Interior Colors
- Gray
- Black
Exterior Color
Crimson Red Pearl
Manufacturer's Color Code: CR6
Interior Colors
- Gray
Exterior Color
Jasper Green Metallic
Manufacturer's Color Code: JGN
Interior Colors
- Gray
Exterior Color
Crystal Black Silica
Manufacturer's Color Code: CBS
Interior Colors
- Gray
- Black
Exterior Color
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Manufacturer's Color Code: MGM
Interior Colors
- Black
Exterior Color
Horizon Blue Pearl
Manufacturer's Color Code: HBP
Interior Colors
- Gray
Exterior Color
Sepia Bronze Metallic
Manufacturer's Color Code: SBM
Interior Colors
- Black
Vehicle
| Emissions | |
| Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year | 6.1 |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | N/A |
| Vehicle | |
| EPA Classification | Small SUV 4WD |
Powertrain
| Transmission | |
| Drivetrain | All Wheel |
| Trans Type | 7 |
| Trans Description Cont. | CVT w/OD |
| First Gear Ratio (:1) | 3.60 - 0.75 |
| Second Gear Ratio (:1) | N/A |
| Third Gear Ratio (:1) | N/A |
| Fourth Gear Ratio (:1) | N/A |
| Fifth Gear Ratio (:1) | N/A |
| Sixth Gear Ratio (:1) | N/A |
| Reverse Ratio (:1) | 3.69 |
| Clutch Size | N/A |
| Final Drive Axle Ratio (:1) | 3.70 |
| Transfer Case Gear Ratio (:1), High | N/A |
| Transfer Case Gear Ratio (:1), Low | N/A |
| Seventh Gear Ratio (:1) | 0.56 |
| Mileage | |
| EPA Fuel Economy Est - Hwy | 33 MPG |
| Cruising Range - City | 431.60 mi |
| EPA Fuel Economy Est - City | 26 MPG |
| Fuel Economy Est-Combined | 29 MPG |
| Cruising Range - Hwy | 547.80 mi |
| EPA MPG Equivalent - City | N/A |
| EPA MPG Equivalent - Hwy | N/A |
| EPA MPG Equivalent - Combined | N/A |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | Regular Unleaded H-4 |
| Displacement | 2.5 L/152 |
| Fuel System | Gasoline Direct Injection |
| SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM | 182 @ 5800 |
| SAE Net Torque @ RPM | 176 @ 4400 |
| Electrical | |
| Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary) | N/A |
| Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps) | N/A |
| Cooling System | |
| Total Cooling System Capacity | N/A |
Dimensions
| Interior Dimensions | |
| Passenger Capacity | 5 |
| Passenger Volume | 107.8 ft³ |
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in |
| Front Leg Room | 43.3 in |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.2 in |
| Front Hip Room | 54.1 in |
| Second Head Room | 37.7 in |
| Second Leg Room | 39.4 in |
| Second Shoulder Room | 57.2 in |
| Second Hip Room | 53.6 in |
| Exterior Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 105.1 in |
| Length, Overall | 182.1 in |
| Width, Max w/o mirrors | 71.5 in |
| Height, Overall | 68.1 in |
| Track Width, Front | 61.6 in |
| Track Width, Rear | 61.8 in |
| Min Ground Clearance | 8.7 in |
| Rear Door Opening Height | N/A |
| Rear Door Opening Width | N/A |
| Liftover Height | 28.4 in |
| Cargo Area Dimensions | |
| Cargo Area Length @ Floor to Seat 1 | 70.3 in |
| Cargo Area Length @ Floor to Seat 2 | 35.7 in |
| Cargo Area Length @ Floor to Seat 3 | N/A |
| Cargo Area Width @ Beltline | 51.2 in |
| Cargo Box Width @ Wheelhousings | 43.3 in |
| Cargo Box (Area) Height | 32.4 in |
| Cargo Volume to Seat 1 | 69.2 ft³ |
| Cargo Volume to Seat 2 | 28.9 ft³ |
| Cargo Volume to Seat 3 | 28.9 ft³ |
Chassis
| Weight Information | |
| Base Curb Weight | 3542 lbs |
| Curb Weight - Front | N/A |
| Curb Weight - Rear | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | N/A |
| Curb Weight | N/A |
| Total Option Weight | 0.00 lbs |
| Trailering | |
| Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt. | 1500 lbs |
| Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt. | 150 lbs |
| Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt. | 1500 lbs |
| Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt. | 150 lbs |
| Maximum Trailering Capacity | 1500 lbs |
| Suspension | |
| Suspension Type - Front | Strut |
| Suspension Type - Rear | Double Wishbone |
| Suspension Type - Front (Cont.) | Strut |
| Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.) | Double Wishbone |
| Shock Absorber Diameter - Front | N/A |
| Shock Absorber Diameter - Rear | N/A |
| Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Front | N/A |
| Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Rear | N/A |
| Tires | |
| Front Tire Size | P225/55HR18 |
| Rear Tire Size | P225/55HR18 |
| Spare Tire Size | Compact |
| Wheels | |
| Front Wheel Size | 18 X 7 in |
| Rear Wheel Size | 18 X 7 in |
| Spare Wheel Size | Compact in |
| Front Wheel Material | Aluminum |
| Rear Wheel Material | Aluminum |
| Spare Wheel Material | Steel |
| Steering | |
| Steering Type | Rack-Pinion |
| Steering Ratio (:1), Overall | N/A |
| Lock to Lock Turns (Steering) | N/A |
| Turning Diameter - Curb to Curb | 35.4 ft |
| Turning Diameter - Wall to Wall | N/A |
| Brakes | |
| Brake Type | 4-Wheel Disc |
| Brake ABS System | 4-Wheel |
| Brake ABS System (Second Line) | N/A |
| Disc - Front (Yes or ) | Yes |
| Disc - Rear (Yes or ) | Yes |
| Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness | 11.6 in |
| Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness | 11.2 in |
| Fuel Tank | |
| Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx | 16.6 gal |
| Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx | N/A |
Warranty Information
Basic:
3 Years/36,000 Miles
Drivetrain:
5 Years/60,000 Miles
Corrosion:
5 Years/Unlimited Miles
Roadside Assistance:
3 Years/36,000 Miles
Crash Test Rating
US NHTSA CRASH TEST RESULTS:
Overall Rating: * * * * *
Overall Frontal Barrier Crash Rating: * * * * *
Driver: * * * * * Passenger: * * * * *
Overall Side Crash Rating: * * * * *
Side Barrier Rating: * * * * *
Driver: * * * * * Rear Passenger: * * * * *
Side Pole Rating Driver Front Seat: * * * * *
Combined Side Barrier and Pole Ratings:
Front Seat Rating: * * * * * Rear Seat Rating: * * * * *
Overall Rollover Rating: * * * *
Dynamic Test Result: No Tip
Risk of Rollover: 16.90%
Note Regarding Driver Rating:
Male: Average sized adult male dummy in 35-MPH crash into fixed barrier. Rating is evaluation of injury to head, neck, chest, legs. Female: Small-sized adult female dummy in 35-mph crash into fixed barrier. Rating is evaluation of injury to head, neck, chest, legs.
Rollover Note: Dynamic (moving) test results (Tip or No Tip) and measured rollover-related properties determine vehicle's risk of rollover in single vehicle crash and its rollover rating. The Rollover Resistance Rating utilizes a "fishhook" maneuver which is a series of abrupt turns at varying speeds to see how "top-heavy" a vehicle is.
Rebate Information
One of the following incentives may apply to this vehicle. Regional incentives may vary.
Financing Incentive: 0.0%
Expiration Date: 04/30/2021
Resource: subaru.com 04/05/2021